Obituaries

Norm Murray, Community Leader and 'Voice of Hofstra', Passes Away

Murray was also a World War II veteran, founder of Levittown Red Devils Youth Football program.

Long-time Levittown resident, community leader and sports announcer Norman "Norm" Murray passed away early Wednesday morning.

Murray was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan, from the age of 17 to 20.

In 1951, Murray entered the FBI and served in in Quantico Marine Base, Washington D.C., Baltimore, New York City and Nassau County until December 1976, when he retired.

In 1977 to 1987, Murray served as a  Hospital Risk Manager at  Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola. 

From 1987 to 2009, Murray personally supervised the Town of Hempstead self-insurance system, a system I had started in December 1980 under then Town of Hempstead Supervisor Al D’Amato.

His community contributions include helping found the Levittown Red Devils youth football program and founding the Levittown Youth lacrosse program. He was an avid lacrosse fan who loved watching his sons coach the sport. He was also President of the Levittown School Board in 1978 and served as 10 years as President of St. Bernard's Parish Council.

Murray also left his mark at Hofstra University. He began working at James M. Shuart Stadium in the 1950s, serving as a timekeeper. He then started doing public address announcing in the 1960s, beginning a career that would see him announce Hofstra Football and Lacrosse, along with many high school events.

He was the public address announcer for many of Hofstra’s most historic victories and also worked games at Mitchel Athletic Complex since it’s opening in 1984, the school said in a release.

The school was saddened to hear of his passing:

“Norm Murray embodied Hofstra Pride,” said Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz said. His voice and his spirit will be a part of the fabric of Hofstra Athletics for all time. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

He is survived by spouse Lorraine, sons Timothy and Terence, daughters Maureen O'Toole, Kate and Anne, daughter-in-laws Sally and Kathy, and son-in-laws Francis Ricigliano and James. Predeceased by son Michael , daughter Ellen Leader and son-in-law John Leaden.

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A wake for Murray will be held Friday, June 28, at Charles J. O'Shea Funeral Home in Wantagh, NY, from 2p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will take place Saturday, June 29 at 10:45 a.m. at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Levittown, NY.


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